Also it is very important to study the general instructions on How to apply for doctoral studies in UEF. The application process in the IMPDET-LE studies follows mainly the general application process of UEF, expect that some of the applicant candidates might be required to refine their application according to the given instructions.

Phase 1: Preparation

In the preparation phase, the applicants' background, motivation and eligibility to pursue doctoral studies in the IMPDET-LE programme are evaluated. The candidate should inform his or her interest towards the studies by sending the following documents to the IMPDET-LE co-ordinator:

a copy of the qualification certificate (usually master's degree)

transcript of studies belonging to the master's degree

concept note for a tentative research plan (1 page)

motivation letter (1 page)

CV

evidence of English language skills

In the preparation phase, the faculty where the student will be applying is decided (either the Philosophical Faculty or the Faculty of Science and Forestry). Also, during the preparation phase the tentative supervision arrangements will be agreed, including the UEF supervisor(s).

The applicants are in the preparation phase until their application has been evaluated in an admission meeting. The admission meetings will be held three times per year; April, August, and December. In the admission meeting, the faculty members of the IMPDET-LE programme make a decission regarding the continuation of the application process.

There are three options how the application process is continued after the admission meeting:

1) Option 1: the applicant is able to apply. The next step is to proceed with the application process (Phase 3: Preparation and submission).

2) Option 2: the applicant needs to provide more evidence about his or her level of academic work. (Phase 2: Refinement)

3) Option 3: the applicant is not able to apply. The application process is terminated.

Phase 2: Refinement

In the refinement phase those applicants who are asked to provide more evidence about the level of their academic skills need to work together with the tentative supervisors before they can submit the application. Another purpose of the refinement phase is to help the applicant to focus and clarify the research topic, as well as to ensure that the topic has a connection to the research interests of the supervisor(s) and research groups. During the refinment phase, the applicant and tentative supervisor(s) will usually write a joint scientific article related to the research topic of the candidate. The supervisors can also have other individual requirements, which need to be met before the applicant can proceed to the final phase.

There are two options how to the application process is continued after the refinement phase:

1) Option 1: the applicant is able to apply. The next step is to proceed with the application process (Phase 3: Preparation and submission)

2) Option 2: the applicant is not able to apply. The application process is terminated.

Phase 3: Preparation and submission

In the final phase, the doctoral student application is prepared and submitted. The applicant needs to follow the application procedures of the doctoral programme in which he or she is applying to.